+44 (0) 1273 386849Let Them Lead: 5 Youth-Led Library Activities That Actually Work
Here are five youth-led library activities that actually work, along with real quotes, honest reflections, practical tips, and gentle nudges on how your systems (like the Simple Little Library System) can support this shift.
In one of our recent posts, we explored what Generation Alpha really wants from their libraries; connection, creativity, and a space that feels genuinely theirs. This time, we’re taking that one step further. What happens when we stop guessing for young people and start building with them?
The answer? A busy library!
1. Dungeons, Dragons & Decision-Making
“The staff groups didn’t work. So we made our own.”
When staff-led programming struggled to take off, one group of young people didn’t disengage, they reimagined. They started a Dungeons & Dragons club, ran it themselves, and made it a regular feature of the library space.
This wasn’t a one-off. Youth-led library activities emerged around Magic the Gathering and crafting – quietly demonstrating that self-directed, interest-driven activities often succeed where scheduled sessions don’t. The fact that I had to Google Magic the Gathering is precisely why young people should take the lead!
Why it worked:
- Young people had full autonomy to shape the activity
- It aligned with real interests, not assumed needs
- The space was welcoming, available, and trusted
System tip: With SLLS, it’s easy to create reading lists on topics of interest. Staff can quietly support without being seen to hover!
2. Crafting With Good Vibes
“We don’t want it to feel like school.”
Another success story: a youth-run craft group that thrived precisely because it wasn’t over-planned. No worksheets. No set outcomes. Just glue sticks, good vibes, and room to create.
This “low-stakes” approach was key. Structured sessions often feel like an extension of school. These young people wanted freedom, not formality and they showed up week after week.
Why it worked:
- It honoured creative freedom
- There was no pressure to perform
- The library offered free materials and trusted the process
System tip: Want to track material usage or build up your creative resources shelf? SLLS reports lets you see what is being borrowed.
3. Youth-Led Library Activities Involving Social Media
“Just don’t make it stuffy and corporate”. “Use trending audio.”
When one library handed over its Instagram and TikTok content to a group of young people, the result was startling: a short video hit over 70,000 views, simply because it felt authentic.
The secret? Young people used trends, humour, and short-form content that resonated with their peers – something that traditional comms teams often miss. It’s also a brilliant opportunity for staff to learn new tech alongside them.
Why it worked:
- The content felt natural, not corporate
- It leveraged platforms young people actually use
- It made the library look alive and responsive
Barrier note: Not every council or school (or even country) allows TikTok access, but many young volunteers are happy to co-create content staff can schedule elsewhere.
4. Creating a Space for Mental Rest
“I can just be me here, on a good or bad day.”
Sometimes, leadership isn’t about running an activity – it’s about shaping the atmosphere.
One young refugee shared that the library was the first place he felt safe after arriving in the country. Another said that walking through the library door meant she could stop performing and just exist.
The young people who helped shape that environment, by suggesting small changes, sharing feedback, or just showing up regularly, redefined what success looks like. Without youth-led library activities and input, this type of comfort wouldn’t be possible.
Why it worked:
- Staff were present, welcoming, and non-judgemental
- The library met practical needs like free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and quiet zones
SLLS insight: You can flag your space’s “non-book” offers in your catalogue, whether that’s phone chargers, fidget kits, or creative resources making these hidden gems easier to discover.
5. Programming the “In-Between” Group
“There’s nothing for people like us. We’re not kids, but we’re not adults either.”
One of the most common tensions? A programming gap for teens and young adults. Many libraries serve early readers and adult learners but the 14-16s, 16–19s, and 20-somethings age groups are often challenging to reach and hard to engage.
Young people have suggested events like film clubs, zine workshops, or relaxed hangouts. The library can honour where they’re at.
Why it matters:
- This group is often excluded by accident
- They crave flexibility and autonomy
- These events make libraries feel contemporary and inclusive
System suggestion: Use SLLS to create reading lists by vibe or genre (“Books That Feel Like a Movie”) and promote events right from your catalogue interface.
But Let’s Be Honest: There Are Tensions
Youth leadership isn’t always tidy. Sometimes:
- Activities clash with limited hours
- Councils restrict social media access
- Staff worry about letting go of control
- It can get noisy and you will need a list of behavioural expectations
And when young people are invited to co-create but nothing changes? That’s worse than not asking at all.
What helps:
- Be clear and quick with follow-up – especially if something can’t happen
- Spend real time in the space – don’t guess what young people want from your desk
- See participation as a right, not a gift
Why This Matters (And How Your Library System Can Help)
When young people feel they belong, they don’t just borrow books, they bring life to the library.
Youth-led activities work when:
- Trust replaces structure
- Authenticity replaces polish
- Systems support behind the scenes
The Simple Little Library System was built to support libraries like yours – flexible, responsive, and designed with real people in mind. Whether you’re tagging group projects, promoting events, or simply staying organised, it helps you make room for what matters.
Explore how the Simple Little Library System can help with a demo or free-trial.
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